Democrats hope a surge in voter registration over the past two years in Anne Arundel County will boost their chances in the November general election, even as Republicans target the county for gains in the State House.

First, those Democrats and Republicans have to make it through the party primary election. Early voting starts at 10 a.m. Thursday and runs until June 21. Anyone who misses early voting can still vote on Election Day, June 26.

Maryland has closed primaries, meaning only party-affiliated, registered voters can cast a ballot for their respective parties. Unaffiliated voters will be allowed to participate in Board of Education votes. A boost in registered voters means more people potentially voting in the primaries.

Sophocleus, who served in the House of Delegates since 1993, died Friday after being hospitalized in Baltimore. But the veteran lawmaker’s name will still appear on primary election...

Democrats are hopeful that anger at President Donald Trump will drive voters to the polls in both primary and general elections. Republicans are hopeful that Gov. Larry Hogan’s popularity will earn them more seats in the House of Delegates and Senate.

While Democrats outpaced Republicans in Anne Arundel County between April 2016 and 2018 — 6,109 Democrats registered compared to 2,046 Republicans, those numbers are a lot closer when looking at voter data in 2014.

From April 2014 to 2018, the number of registered Democrats grew 14,127 while Republicans grew 11,684. Democrats have a 26,122 lead over registered Republicans in Anne Arundel County. This is up 2,443 compared to the gap between the two parties, according to April 2014 data.

There are 384,402 registered voters in Anne Arundel County. This includes unaffiliated and other registered voters.

There are seven early voting locations in Anne Arundel County. Voters can visit any of the locations and will receive a ballot based on their residential location. Early voting locations are listed below.

Only registered voters can vote early. Anyone not registered can bring proof of residency with them to the early voting location and register on site.

These items include MVA-issued license, ID card or change of address card, a paycheck, bank statement, utility bill or another government document with a name and address.

The Democratic Primary in District 32 heats up as there are now two vacancies. Del. Ted Sophocleus died Friday — though his name will still appear on the ballot — and Del. Pam Beidle is leaving her seat to run for Senate. That leaves the only incumbent Del. Mark Chang and five other Democrats vying for three spots. There are only three Republicans vying for their three spots.

On the Republican side incumbent State’s Attorney Wes Adams is being challenged by Republican Kathy Rogers.

District 5 County Councilman Michael Peroutka, R-Millersville is being challenged by Republican Amanda Fiedler.